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1916 
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A Day Dream 
In Japan 



By Percy Burton 




John W. Luce and Company 

BOSTON 






Copyright, 1916 
By Percy Burton 



ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



rO -5 1316 



i)CI.A44688:) 



Dramatis Personae: 

Persillo [Poet and Painter] 

Evarou [His wife] 

Papillon [From Dreamland] 

Li Chi [From Dreamland] 

[elderly admirer of Papillon] 



Scene I. Persillo's studio. 

Scene II. Papillon's garden in Dreamland. 

Scene III. Same as Act I. 



AUTHOR'S NOTE 

This youthful and unpretentious Httle poem- 
play was written nearly seventeen years ago 
in the course of a two or three weeks' trip 
across the Atlantic. I was coming to America 
for the first time on a tramp steamer sailing 
under ballast; though officially signed aboard 
as "purser," I was privately regarded as 
the "Captain's guest," with all the privileges 
such a distinguished appointment carries. 
During the intervening years my little manu- 
script has remained on the shelf at home in 
England, where, indeed, it has been mislaid 
for over a decade, and perhaps I have done 
wrong to disturb its child-like slumber. It 
appears as it was written — "when we were 
twenty-one" — unchanged except for an occa- 
sional word to improve its impulsive metre. 
Suffice it to say that I have no illusions as to 
any ambitions I may have possessed regarding 
it, and am well-content if it affords pleasure 
to a few friends. 



My managerial activities in the theatre for 
almost a score of years successively with the 
late Wilson Barrett, Sir Henry Irving, Sir 
Charles Wyndham and Sir John Hare, Sir 
Johnston Forbes- Robertson and more recently 
with Sir Herbert Tree, have left me little 
personal leisure to devote to my pen. But 
before the sun sets and the last "star" has 
been swallowed up by the insatiable maw 
of the "movies" — yet ere the last legit- 
imate theatre has been turned into a Picture 
Palace, a Museum or a Turkish Bath, — I 
look forward in retiring to a garden in 
England, — "somewhere in France," or to 
a certain beauty-spot in Sicily, to write 
another play for a perfectly neutral public. 

P. B. 



A DAY DREAM IN JAPAN 
Scene I 



A Day Dream in Japan 



SCENE I 
Persillo's Studio — Morning 



An attractive and artistically ar- 
ranged studio — rich, hut sub- 
dued in to7ie. There are door- 
ways to the right and left with 
appropriate hangings. A wide 
opening at the hack, through 

[Scene 1] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

which the sun, shining brightly, 
tints the paintings, screens and 
other paraphernalia scattered 
about the room. There is a 
verandah, about which twine 
-flowering vines. Beyond are 
pleasant gardens in the greenery 
of early summer. In the dis- 
tance looms the shadow of a 
gloomy, snow-capped volcanic 
mountain from which inter- 
mittently a feather of smoke 
rises, giving a threatening air 
of disturbance to an otherwise 
quiet and domestic, but above 
all, artistic atmosphere. 

[Evarou enters with flowers, which she 
arranges around the easel L. C] 

Persillo 

[R. C. — Pensive and melancholy] 

[Scene 1] 10 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Alas! to think that Love is but a dream, 

A little ripple on the sea of life; 

And that which makes of earth a paradise — 

The love of life, of wife, of art, of all, 

Should soon become a half-hid memory. 

Leaving an aching void, an empty soul, 

Existence's vague echo of the life 

Which love can consummate, and e'en annul. 



EVAROU 

Why are you sad, Persillo? Look at me 
As you were wont to do with smiling face. 
Tell me what ails you? 



Persillo 

Dearest Evarou, 
Nought ails me, though I ail in ev'rything. 

I know no reason, for monotony. 

Save love has fled and left me desolate. — 
The sun seems like a misty mass of light: 

II \Scene 1\ 



A Day Dreavi in Japan 

The flowers no longer breathe their sweet 

perfume, 
The garden is a picture painted ill : 
The songs of birds have lost their harmony. — 
At night, the moon no longer reigns supreme, 
The stars lie buried in a grave of clouds, 
The breeze, that wafted gentle memories 
As I lay thinking, is now lulled to sleep, 
And love lies lost. 



E VAROU 

Yet still your painting lives! 
Your art may ease; come, take your brush 

and paint 
While I weave garlands near your woodland 

dell. 



[She sits at his feet, toying with 
flowers, while Persillo paints.] 

[Scene 1] 12 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Persillo 

My thoughts still wander howso'er I try; 
My hand is bound, but mind roams every- 
where. — 
I prythee sing: a song of other days 
May poison prove to this indifference. 

E VAROU 

What song? A bright, or mournful melody? 

Persillo 

Happy and sad, for when we gladest are 
Our sadness has a sweetness of its own; 
And when we're sad yet happy can we be, — 
A hallow'd happiness that shrouds the soul. 
The thought of death when linked with life 

and love 
No longer fear inspires, but rest and peace. 

13 [Scene 1] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

EV AROU 

Why, then Til sing the song you wrote your- 
self 
When first we met and loved as we do now, — 
Your little story of the Butterfly. — 

{Sings\ 

A Butterfly flew to a lily -flower, 

Her weary wings to rest; 
She had flown afar for many an hour, 

And heaved her panting breast. 

She thought — as Butterflies think — of the time 
When she took her first mad flight, 

And restlessly seeking new friends and clime. 
She fluttered by from home sight. 

She was loved and cherished; the sun had shone 

O'er her pleasant pastime's hour, 
But the clouds had come, and her lover gone 

Like a fading passion-flower. 

[Scene 1] 14 



A Day Dream in Japan 

She heard the lullaby sung by the breeze, 

And felt the lily's heart throb; 
Longingly looked at the brook 'neath the trees. 

Where she sank with one soft sob. 

She had lived in love, but she died alone; 

No tear from a friendly eye. 
On the brink of the brook like dewdrops shone 

When Butterfly floated by. 



Persillo 

Alas! your charming music fails to find 
E'en a responsive murmur of delight; 
And only sad oblivion remains, — 
To hide in sleep or her twin-sister death, 
And in that stream Lethean I would find 
Forgetfulness of art and life and love. 



E V A R o u 

Poor Persillo! Are you then tired of me? 
15 [Scene 1] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Persillo 

Not tired, my love, — although I love you not 
As I was wont. My heart is heavy, and 
I fain would drown myself in dreams or death, 
Rather than live in shades of misery. 
This potion, which I brought from Tokio, 
I'll take e'en though it cost my life; 'tis said 
Not only is't a drug of dreams, but death 
If taken in too great a quantity. 



E V A R o u 

No, no! Persillo, take it not I pray. 
Dreams but deceive, and death may follow 
straight. 



\She tries to seize the phial, but 
Persillo drinks, then gives it to 
her, and lies down.] 

[Scene 1] 16 



A Day Dream in Japan 

E V A R O U 

A little's left, I too will drink, and go — 
Where dreams or death bring me to Persillo. 

[Drmks, retires behind a screen a7id 
falls asleep.] 

Ballet. 

[Enter Papillon ajid Li Chi.] 

Li C H I 

This is the house where lives this Persillo, 
But what freak brings you hither, Papillon? 

Papillon 
To make of him a friend, or more perchance; 
Strange though it seems, Li Chi, when I have 
you — 

Li Chi 

And ev'rything you want that I can give — 
17 [Scene 1] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Papillon 

Save beauty, poesy, and art, which make 
Your gold seem dross, your ugliness a crime. 

Li Chi 

Pity me, Papillon, 'tis not my fault 
That I no more have youth or — 



Papillon 

Well, I'll be 
Respectful tow'rds your age if you'll contrive 
To wear your years with less of jealousy. 

[Seeing Persillo.] 

But this must be Persillo. See, he lies 
As if inspired with dreams — 

Li Chi 

Perchance with wine! 
[Scene 1] 18 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Papillon 

How sweet he looks! I'll wake him with a 
kiss. 

Li Chi 

Cannot you be content to thus wake me? 

Papillon 

And waking you a nightmare give myself? 
No. Kisses can't be bartered but in love, 
And lest the sight of one should torture you, 
You can withdraw and ponder on the bliss. 

Li Chi 
I think I'd rather stay. 

Papillon 

No doubt, but go! 

\Exit Li Chi.] 
19 [Scene 1] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Papillon 

\K.issing Persillo] 

Poor, pensive poet, why are you so sad? 

Persillo 

[Waking] 
Vision of beauty! 

Papillon 

Well, how do you do? 

Persillo 

I was depressed and lonely until now, 

But your sweet presence brings back life and 

love. 
Whence have you come and whither do you 

go? 
You've won my heart already. Pause awhile ! 

lSce7te 1] 20 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Papillon 
Till you have time to win it back again? 

Persillo 

Not mine, but your heart in exchange per- 
chance. 

Papillon 
A wit as well as poet. {Looking round) Painter 
too? 

Persillo 
More poverty than poetry, I fear. 
My name is Persillo; yours — 



Papillon 



Papillon. 



Persillo 
Meaning a Butterfly ! I wrote a song 
Of one, which Evarou oft sings to me. 

21 [Scene 1] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Papillon 
The Butterfly I know — not Evarou. 

Persillo 
Well, will you sing about the Butterfly? 

Papillon 

Then will you tell me of this Evarou? 
But no! The amours of a poet are 
Too old a tale to tell, and one oft told. 
Forget this Evarou yet talk of love. 

Persillo 

Silence in love is truest eloquence; 
The soul is dumb in perfect happiness: 
Words are like weeds which choke fond fancy's 

blooms. 
And wither, fading like fantastic dream. 

\Scene 1\ ZZ 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Papillon 
But ere you woke just now and found me here, 
What did you feel or see that made you wake? 

Persillo 
I felt a dew-drop resting on my eye, 
A sunbeam dancing in my inmost heart, 
A dreamy peace that death could not affright, 
A love that longed to look and love again; 
I seemed to see a flow'r upon the path 
With petals of a hue and shape sublime, 
A fairy form all fair and fanciful. 
To whom the breeze soft whisper'd tales of 

love: 
I op'd my eyes, and saw you, Papillon. 

Papillon 
And did my kiss thus thrill you with delight? 

Persillo 
Your nearness was a kiss unto my soul, 
And yet I knew not that you kissed me then, 

23 [Scene 1] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Although I know that you will kiss me now; 
Nay, do not then refuse such simple suit: 
I love you, Papillon — 



Papillon 

And I love you ! 

\They kiss\ 

Persillo 

How sweet a thing is life when linked with 
love! 

Papillon 
How sad a thought that lovers part again ! 

Persillo 
How long a look when one first falls in love. 

Papillon 
How short the dream that breaks before the 
dawn! 

{Scene i\ 24 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Persillo 
Butis't adream? Why not our destiny? 

Papillon 
Well, destiny is often but a dream. 

Persillo 

Shall ours be such, and shall we live in love, 
Dreaming of life, of art, of destiny? 

Papillon 

I know a bow'r, where, shaded by the trees. 
Flowers bloom, and birds are happy in the sun, 
Singing to lilting tune of laughing breeze, — 
A garden which like Eden is, and where 
We might be happy ij — 

25 [Scene 1] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

P E R S I L L O 

Mon Papillon! 
Take me where'er you will, your heart's my 
heaven. 

\ \Exit Persillo and Papillon.] 

Li Chi 

[Entering.] 

I hope I don't intrude. 

[Looking round.] 

It seems I don't 
They're fled already, leaving me alone; 
But someone comes: I will conceal myself . 

E V A R O U 

[Waking.] 

Persillo, did you call? [Rishig.] I heard a 
voice; 

[Scene 1] 26 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Where can he be? — I left him here just now; 
He was asleep, and cannot have gone far. 
Persillo, answer! What is this I find? 
A bunch of broken flowers, ribbon-bound, 
To which still clings a wanton tress of hair. — 
A faded flow'r from which fresh fancy blooms, 
As weeds when nourished with the flower's 

food, 
Will grow together side by side until 
The weed, the stronger, strangles its poor 

mate. — 
Thus Love lives happy till a passion-flower 
Blooms by its side and feeds upon its strength. 
Stealing its honey'd sweetness like a bee, 
And withers then under bewitching spell. 
So someone with enchanting influence 
Has cast a spell around my Persillo, 
And ruthlessly has robbed him of the love 
Which once he felt for me. He said, alas, 
He loved me not as he was wont to do, — 
And now - — Oh ! Persillo, come back to me. 

27 [Scene 1] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Li Chi 

Can this be wife to Papillon's new friend? 

If so, she may help me and I aid her 

To mend this broken chain of circumstance. 

\To Evarou.] 

Your pardon, madam, news of Persillo 
I think you want, which — 

Evarou 

— you can give to me? 
My heart is broken ; tell me 'tis not true 
That he is faithless and left me — his wife. 

Li Chi 

Left you he has, but not, I think, for long, 
And you may find and bring him back anon ; 
If in my company you care to go 
I'll take you where you'll find your Persillo. 

[Exit.] 
[End of Scene I.] 28 



A DAY DREAM IN JAPAN 
Scene II 



A Day Dream in Japan 



SCENE II 
Papillon's Garden in Dreamland 



A finished painting of Papillon lain 
carelessly against a tree^ bloom- 
ing with pink blossoms, is on 
one side of the scene, and a 
picturesque little summer-house 
abuts on the other corner, while 

31 [Scene 2] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

flowers abound, and there is the 
sound of a gently rippling 
stream just in sight. Papilloji 
is lying full length on the green 
grass, with arms akimbo, to- 
wards the front and in the 
centre of the scene, toying with 
some and petulantly destroying 
other of the flowers, which she 
plucks and throivs aside, in an 
evident state of boredom and 
disillusionment. Persillo is 
painting under the trees at the 
back, immersed in his work and 
quite unconcerned with Papil- 
lon. He is evidently inspired 
by other thoughts and with 
another theme. 



Papillon 

You love your painting more than Papillon, 
[Scene 2] 32 



A Day Dream in Japan 

The songs of birds than sound of my poor 

voice; 
The sunshine is more welcome than my 

smiles: 
A flow'r more fascinating — far more fair, 
Than I have grown. A tree demands more 

time, 
Temper and talent than you give to me. 
At night, the moon outshines my beauty; 

now 
Stars are the eyes whose fond, far gaze you 

love; 
The sky has more attractive face than mine. 
Though, till my picture painted, you would 

say. 
Mine was the moon, star, sun-light of your 

soul. 



Persillo 

Peevish Papillon ! Would you have me e'er 
Kissing and cooing — lying at your feet 

33 [Scene 2] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

As some bough lopped from one-time fruitful 

tree 
For you to fondle till the blossoms fall, 
And then throw from you as a child its toy? 



Papillon 

No! I'm the toy; too well you make me see 

Your play-time's finished and you tire of me: 

Only a play-thing you can lay aside, 

And find a new one just as easily; 

Once you were wont to do all I desired, 

But now you paint and dream, and then you 

mope. 
When you have pleased yourself to heart's 

content. 

[Speaking to herself.] 

But it was ever thus. Men love and lose 
Their fancies just as we weak women do. 
How many have I lov'd and lost before? 

[Scene 2] 34 



A Day Dreavi in Japan 

Time runs too fast to think of each amour. 
Life's leaves soon scatter in the autumn wind, 
Although I'm only in my summer-time. — 
I wonder what's become of poor Li Chi, — • 
He's near life's winter, though still ripe with 
wealth. 

Persillo 
Poor Papillon! We're both to blame, I fear. 
'Tis true my art I love, but you much more, 
Although the time spent in your company 
Seems to me wasted when I do aught else 
But look at, or caress, or talk to you. 

Papillon 
I never spoke nor harbor'd such a thought 
Though it may be just what you feel yourself. 
And, lest your day-dream be disturbed by me, 
I'll leave you to your own sweet company. 

[Exit Persillo and Papillon.] 
[Enter Evarou and Li Chi.] 

35 [Scene 2] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Li Chi 

This is the garden. Here we'll wait awhile. 
Travel is tedious; and you are tired. 

E V A R o u 
Not with the journey. Distance is a dream : 
The waking to love's loss — reality. 

L I C H I 
Love still may be regained, if you with care 
Arouse the interest of Papillon ; 
Be not too sudden or importunate, 
But with discretion and diplomacy 
Beseech her pity with a patient tongue. 
She is a woman, and must needs be woo'd: 
First gain her ear and then besiege her heart. 
Which you may find and thus win Persillo. 

E V A R o u 
Perhaps Persillo might be found alone; 
I could with more persuasion speak to him. 

\Scene 2] 36 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Li Chi 

His ire you might incur by coming here, 
At all events Papillon's jealousy, 
Whereas if with her aid you arm yourself 
The battle is already half achieved. — 
I hear a footstep, and will stand aside 
Until an opportunity arrives, 
When I will my entreaties add to yours. 

\Li Chi withdraws.] 
[Enter Papillon.] 

Papillon 
What can I do for you? 

E V A R o u 

Your pardon grant. 
I am a stranger who has lost her — way, 
And seeing this retreat just stepped aside 
To rest my feet and ease my mind awhile. 

37 [Scene 2] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Papillon 

You're welcome here. Is there aught else, I 

pray, 
To offer you In hospitality? 



E V A R o u 
I thank you, no! Nothing save rest I need. 

Papillon 

Have you come far? — Your face looks wan 

and worn, — 
Or you may mourn the loss of someone dear? 

E V A R O U 

Both a long journey have I made, and mourn 
The loss of one who was most dear to me. 

Papillon 
Thro' death? 

[Scene 2] 38 



A Day Dream in Japan 

E V A R O U 

Alas! I know not, it may be, — 
But some time since my husband went from 

me, 
Vanish'd as in a dream, without a word, 
Leaving me — lone and desolate — to mourn 
His death or faithlessness, I know not which. 

Papillon 
But was there nothing left, no sign to show? 

E V A R o u 
Only this ribbon bound with flow'rs. 

Papillon 

\Asidc\ 

'Tismine! 

\Fause\ 
His name is — 
39 [Scene 2] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

E V AROU 

Persillo, — mine, Evarou. 

Papillon 
Did he love you before the other came 
And robbed another's nest unwittingly? 

Evarou 
Happy we were from morn till dewy eve 
Among his paintings and his poetry; 
For none he loved but me, and I loved him 
More than my life or aught contained therein. 

Papillon 
My name is Papillon — 

Evarou 

Then you are she, 
Of whom I've heard! whose power I know too 

well. 
Why did you take from me my Persillo? 

{Scene 2] 40 



A Day Dream in Japan 

He loved me only till you came and snared 
His soul by some delusion or a dream, 
From which he'll wake, and wish himself again 
In his own homestead with his Evarou. 



Papillon 
True is it that your Persillo is here. 
But he is mine and I have won his love, 
Which when I gained I only knew your name — 
Not that you were his wife. 

Evarou 

Now that you know 
Will you not yield him up to me again? 

Papillon 
Why should I suffer so? We now are one : 
I love Persillo, and he loves but me: 
He's mine, and I am his so long as he 
Pleasure and joy takes in my company. 

41 [Scene 2] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

E V A R O U 

But pity take on me. I cannot live 
Without Persillo. Life is worse than death 
When all one loves and lives for vanishes. 

Li Chi 

\Coming out\ 

Yes, pity take, Papillon, on his wife. 
And on me too: I love you more than life. 

Papillon 
Your love and life are worth about the same; 
One word's their value: Nothing is its name. 
So this is how she found her way to him! 
The mystery's soon solved, though 'tis as well 
I know that Persillo has other ties 
Stronger than those perhaps which bind our 

love, 
And he shall make his choice between us two. 
Here comes Persillo ! I will speak with him 
While you two in this summer-house will hide. 

[Scene 2] 42 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Feign making love, and then with jealousy 
I'll tempt the truth from him in word or deed. 

\Evarou and Li Chi go into summer- 
house. Enter Persillo.] 

Persillo 
Where have you been, Papillon, all this while? 
Why do you look on me with such sad eyes? 
A tear is glist'ning on your brow and seems 
A v/at'ry visitor from sorrow's cloud. 
Keeping the brightness from the summer sky 
Of your fair face. Tell me what makes you 
mourn? 

Papillon 

A thought, a fear! 

Persillo 

Of what, mon Papillon? 

Papillon 
Your love, Persillo, if I have it all? 

43 [Scene 2] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Persillo 

I love you, Papillon, as e'er I did, 

As fervently as when we met at first 

My soul, drawn by the magnet of your own, 

Flew to your breast, and nestled like a bird, 

Which, seeking shelter driven by the storm 

Of unrest, found a kindred spirit there. 

I love you more than e'er I loved before. 

Papillon 
Even than Evarou, your one-time wife? 

Persillo 
What makes you think of her? 'Tis different. 

Papillon 

Where is the diff'rence 'tween my love and 

hers? 
Am I not all in all to you, — and more? 
Where is the difference between us, then? 

{Scene Z\ 44 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Persillo 
You are my muse, — insplrer of my dreams. 
Mistress of Nature, mother of my Art. 
Nurturing my ambition like the sun 
Which, shining on the bud, brings forth the 

flower, 
So does your inspiration wean my will 
From weakness unto strength, from thought 

to deed, — 
You, Papillon, are to my love-lit soul, 
As varied as the colors which adorn 

The body of your namesake Butterfly 

She is my wife ! 

Papillon 
Am I your mistress, then? 
Till now I never knew you had a wife; 
You didn't tell me, though I asked you not 
But was content to pluck the passion-flower 
Without a thought if it would bloom again. 
But now that we have reached the root of 
this, 

45 [Scene 2] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

And ere 'tis buried in the ground once more, 
What future will the flow'r of fancy have? 
Is she to fade from memory, and then 
Reality regain her former place? 

Persillo 

Never will you fade from my memory, 
Papillon. And my love will live with you 
Till you grow tired of me, and then we'll part 
Not in farewell eternal, but as friends, — 
To go our ways, and ere long meet again. 

Papillon 
AndEvarou? Will she agree to this 
Arrangement, when she hears of it, think you? 

Persillo 
Who wots not of the old won't know the new. 

Papillon 
She knows! 
{Scene 2] 46 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Persillo 

She knows, you say? But how, and when? 
You've told her, you, false traitress that you 

are, 
And have destroyed her world of happiness 
In which she lived, loving and trusting me. 
You had my love, why murder hers for me, 
In killing hers you've murdered mine for you; 
I hate you, yes! with a far deeper hate 
Than e'er I loved before: I loathe you now! 

Papillon 
Thus fades love's flow'r choked by the weed of 

hate. 
E'en while the butterfly its petals press. 
Poor Persillo! Your burst of passion tells 
Only too well how brief would be our life 
In Love's dream ere the rude awak'ning came. 
I did not tell your wife, though she is here. 

Persillo 
Here? How and where? What mean you, 
Papillon? 

47 [Scene 2] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Papillon 

Look in the summer-house where oft you sat 
Kissing and fondhng me. What do you see 
That makes you turn so pale and tremble 

thus? 
Surely, to make love is not very strange 
For one so young and sweet as Evarou ? 

P E R S I L L O 

My God! My wife! No, no! It cannot be, 
Who lets that smiling scoundrel fondle her. 
It is a spectre of my Evarou, 
A shadow of the real, a ghost-like dream 
I see. She speaks; Evarou, answer me. 
She comes this way; she answers to my call. 
Shadow or substance she is false to me. 
And dies in dream or in reality; 
Speak but one word, Evarou — 

Evarou 

Persillo ! 

[Scene 2] 48 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Persillo 
Yes, I am Persillo, but who are you? 
I know you not; I knew you once, but now 
E'en your acquaintance is forgot; your love 
I spurn with all the hate I have ; your death 
Is only too deserv'd — deceiver, die. 

\Stabs Evarou.] 

What have I done, Evarou, speak to me; 
Your heart is bleeding, and your wounded eyes 
Peer from your poor, pale face like two cold 

stars, 
Lighting a bloody deed the darkness fears 
To face without the dying gleam of day, 
Which penetrates the sable shroud of night. 
What does this mean, Papillon? See, she steals 
Away upon the arm of that old knave 
With whom I saw Evarou just before. 
It was some trick, some plan of Papillon, 
Some web wherein she would entangle me. 
Only one way remains — the path of death. 
Whither I'll wander to find Evarou. 

[Stabbing himself.] 

49 [End of Scene II] 



A DAY DREAM IN JAPAN 
Scene III 



A Day Dream in Japan 



SCENE III 
Persillo's Studio — Evening 



PersilWs studio as at end of Scene 
I, Evarou and Persillo are 
lying asleep exactly in the same 
positions as at the termination 
of Scene /, which remains tm- 
changed with the exception that 
the time is evening and the sun 
has set. 

53 [Scene 3] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Persillo 

[C. waking.] 

Ye gods! Am I awake then, and is death 

Only a little sleep, a haunting dream 

From which one wakes to live on in remorse, 

Loveless and lonely, only half alive. 

Existing on thro' all eternity; 

Breathing and thinking, but devoid of power, 

Asleep in action, but in thought awake? 

Remorse! Oh! endless echo, sadd'ning sound, 

Tolling the knell of happiness and hope: 

The sunset of the soul, that blood-red hue 

Of tragedy, though all unlike the sun, 

Which only sinks to rest and rise again, — 

While Evarou, my sun, my moon, my star, 

Light of my life, for e'er extinguished 

By one unmeant, unwilling, unkind blow! 

[Going tip stage and looking round.] 
[Scene 3] 54 



A Day Dream in Japan 

How ev'ry old association wakes 
By the familiar sight of things I see! — 
The fans I painted, but by her inspired, 
Poems, which my hand penned, but her soul 

bore, 
These flow'rs whose very perfume is her 

breath, 
Whose pretty petals grew beneath her smile. 
And, like the leaves, when she left, drooped 

and died ! — 
This chair where often we caressed, and lay. 
One cushion bearing both our happy heads, — 
This corner and this screen. — Oh ! God of 

Heav'n ! 
Cannot repentance, self-reproach, remorse, 
Bring back the spirit of my Evarou? 

[Weeps.] 

[Falling on his knees, Persillo 

knocks over the screen. — Evarou 

discovered asleep, — Moonlight 

shining full on her face.] 

55 [Scene 3] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Persillo 

[Surprised and startled.] 

What do I see, — or do I dream I see 
Evarou's apparition? Surely she? 
Reflection of the real, or phantasy, 
But still the spirit of my Evarou ! 
How pitifully pale! How pure! How cold 
Is death's mysterious shadow! Spirit, speak 
Forgiveness in one undeserved word ! 
Pardon my heinous, heartless crime! Alas! 
Must I for ever mourn mv Evarou? 



Persillo! 



Evarou 

[Waking.] 



Persillo 

Evarou, spirit of her 
I once called wife ere this calamity. 
Which I repent and mourn so bitterly, — 
Do not forsake me ! Stay with me awhile ! 

[Scene 3] 56 



A Day Dream in Japan 

E V A R O U 

Surely, Persillo, why should / leave you? 
Women are weak except in Love, but then 
Their weakness gives them strength, for Love 

is life, 
And loss of Love a lonely, living death, 
Devoured by memories till driven mad. 

Persillo 

But, Evarou, I only went astray, 
Tempted by an enticing butterfly, 
Which lured me on across a garden fair 
Until it perched upon a passion-flower. 
Which lost its perfume, and its color fled, 
Like a false blush departing when the rouge 
Is rubbed away by careless hand or lip, — 
Only a wayward fancy which I mourn 
More for my faithlessness than its deceit. 

Evarou 
Well ! Your forgetfulness I will forgive, 
But tell me, — came I hither in a faint 

57 [Scene 3] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Or slumber from that garden where we met 
When, as I looked on you, my mcm'ry fled? 
Not e'en a random recollection's left, 
Since seeing you I left Li Chi and came 
Tow'rds you with open, outstretched, eager 

arms, 
Full of desire, but failing ere we met, 
For shadows seemed to seize my consciousness. 
Taking me captive till, when here, I woke! 

Persillo 
Alas ! I know not e'en how I returned ; 
Naught do I recollect since that sad time, 
When o'er your body as I mourned I drew 
My sword to kill myself. 

E V A R O U 

To kill yourself? 

Persillo 

Yes! Evarou, and in another world 

To find forgiveness and the wand'ring soul 

[Scene 3] 58 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Of her whose form fair e'en in death's dark 

dream 
I murdered. 



E V A R o u 

\S}iocked\ 

Persillo! You murdered! Whom? 
Not Papillon, or Li Chi, who took me 
To find and bring you back. 

Persillo 

Oh ! Evarou ! 
Would it had been or Papillon or he 
That old knave I saw in your company 
Rather than you yourself — 

Evarou 

\SurpYiscd?[ 

Rather than me! 
What mean you, Persillo? 

59 {Scene 3\ 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Persillo 

I mean, my love, 
Would it had been myself or anyone 
Rather than you I killed. 

E V A R o u 

\SurpYised?^ 

Rather than me! 
I do not understand! You killed me not! 
You dream, Persillo, or we both have been 
In sphere of shadows and a world of dreams. 

Persillo 
But are you not a spirit? Do you live? 

E V A R o u 

Why! What's the matter, poor, pale Per- 
sillo? 
You tremble like a listless, autumn leaf, 
Blown by the wind, which wavers to and fro, 

{Scene 3\ 60 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Uncertain if to stay, or where to go ! — 
I have been sleeping, so I think have you. 
And dreaming both. — Kiss me, you need not 

fear; 
It may persuade you I am Evarou, 
No spirit, but your loving, living wife ! 

Persillo 

[Kissing her.] 
You are, indeed! No more I'll go astray! 

Evarou 

But if within Dreamland's confines you may! 
The change of scene, I think, has done you 
good! 

Persillo 

Yes! Love is living once again, and I 

No longer feel that sad monotony. 

Which robed me round in melancholy garb 

61 [Scene 3] 



A Day Dream in Japan 

Ere pilgrimage I made with Papillon. — 
See how the sun has cHmbed o'er yonder hill, 
As now its duty done it goes to rest. — 
But once again in dreamy melody, 
Some story tell me, Eve, in tuneful song, 
For maybe 'twas your music's memory, 
Which haunted us along sleep's silv'ry stream. 
Steering our separate barques with harmony 
Down dreamy currents similar in source — 
To part, and meet, and part — and meet 
again ! 



E V A R o u 
What shall I sing? 



Persillo 

Of what but of a kiss! 
[Scene 3] 62 



A Day Dream in Japan 

E V A R O U 

\Singing\ 

The Butterfly's breath on the flow'' r, 

That answers his caress 
With look of love and silent pow'r, 

As he her petals press. 

The song the bird chirps to her mate, 

The hee hums to the flow'r, 
The love-charm of a tete-d-tete, 

The sunshine of life's hour. 

The magic of the moonlit sky, 

The story of each star, 
Whisp'ring one loving lullaby 

To earth forlorn and far. 

For what is Love, or what is Life, 

And what is Death but this} 
A link 'tween earth and heaven above, — 

The imprint of a kiss! 

[Curtain] 
63 






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